outfits pure city cycles
4.14.15 43

Riding Around Town

This past weekend was heaven, am I right, or am I right? The warm weather and clear skies made it the perfect weekend to get outside—even if you have to dodge throngs of Cherry Blossom tourists like I did.

Since DC isn’t the most car-friendly city, the metro doesn’t run as often on weekends, and Tidal Basin revelers usually aren’t the fastest walkers, sometimes—okay, most times—a bike is the best way to get around.

So what better bike is there for me than the Pure City Cycles Abbey Bike? I mean, y’all, the wheels literally embody A Touch of Teal. But whether or not teal wheels are your thing, Pure City Cycles has a bike that fits your style and your town—all that’s really missing is you. Built around classic frames, these bikes truly are the ultimate ‘city cycles’.

(Even though that sounds a tad sales-y, I promise I wasn’t told to say that! It’s just the straight up truth—and the compliments I receive when riding this bad boy around town really back it up.)

pure city cycle

And to alleviate all the fears of you motherly types out there—hi, Mom!—when I am cruising through town I always wear a helmet! DC drivers aren’t the best at sharing the roads, so it’s important to be safe, not just stylish.

Now, I don’t know about you, but the last time I owned a bike I was about 14 years old. It was a purple number I rode around my flat, suburban neighborhood or to visit my friend’s houses nearby.

(Prior to that I totally owned the Spice Girls bike, complete with a pre-programmed radio of all their biggest hits. That bike definitely earned me a lot of street cred in the second grade, but I digress.)

So for all intents and purposes, I really hadn’t ridden a bike in a decade. Because of my biking hiatus, when I went to pick up my Pure City Abbey from the bike shop that assembled it for me, I was definitely a little nervous about riding it home. I even seriously considered the outrageous plan of getting an Uber XL and throwing it in the back, until I realized the idiom, “like riding a bike,” exists for a reason.

pure city cycles

And you know what?

The idiom is so true—and I loved every minute of my two mile bike ride home! So much so that I am already excited about all the neighborhoods I can explore now that the weather makes a bike ride a joyful activity, and not one where I am constantly wishing I had a ski mask.

I am still trying to talk my Dad into bringing my bike down to our family vacation on Ocean Isle Beach this summer, but in the meantime, I’m sure I will be cruising along the GW Parkway to get a fabulous view of the DC Monuments or riding over into Georgetown to get my sugar fix at Baked and Wired.

pure city cycles

So if you’re in DC and see a girl on a bike with teal-rimmed wheels ringing this bell, it’s probably best to get out of the way!

I was never good at stopping as a kid—and some things—like riding a bike—never change.

pure city cycles

* SHOP THIS POST *
Pure City Cycles Abbey Bike c/o
Ray Ban Aviators 
Rocksbox Necklace c/o
Express Peplum Top
Loft White Jeans
Steve Madden Sandals—old, similar here

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Photos by Lisa Chiu

Thank you to Pure City Cycles for sponsoring this post and for supporting the brands that keep A Touch of Teal’s doors open!

Leave a Comment

43 Comments

  1. Frickingvikki wrote:

    Lol you look lovely!! Biking about can be so much fun and such a great way to keep healthy!! You’ve made me want to get my bike out now, especially on this lovely day!! Great little blog 🙂

    Published 4.14.15
    Reply
    • Katie wrote:

      Thanks so much girl! I could not agree more – it’s nice to mix up your fitness routine some and biking definitely helps! xo

      Published 4.15.15
      Reply
  2. Bethany Magnie wrote:

    I just about pooped my pants with jealousy! That thing is amazing!!! If I owned a bike that stylish I would actually ride it.

    Published 4.14.15
    Reply
    • Katie wrote:

      Aw thanks girl! You should get yourself one ;]

      Published 4.15.15
      Reply
  3. Mary wrote:

    You have inspired me to dust my bike off and get riding in this beautiful weather!

    Published 4.14.15
    Reply
    • Katie wrote:

      Hope you enjoy it, Mary! xo

      Published 4.15.15
      Reply
  4. Jasmine wrote:

    I love those sandals.

    Published 4.14.15
    Reply
  5. Logan Cantrell wrote:

    LOVE your bike! I have a similar one but have not ridden it in almost a year (I’m pregnant). I can’t wait to ride it again soon! Your sandals are adorable!

    Published 4.14.15
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    • Katie wrote:

      Thank you + congrats! You’ll be back on the bike with a trike next to you in no time!

      Published 4.15.15
      Reply
  6. lauren wrote:

    Ah! I want this bike! Love this whole look. It scream spring/summer!

    Published 4.14.15
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    • Katie wrote:

      Thanks Lauren! So glad the warm weather is here :]

      Published 4.15.15
      Reply
  7. Andrea Nine wrote:

    Cruising around on a bike is the greatest! That bike is a gem. And loving your teal toenail polish and absolutely fabulous sandals. You look cute as a button!!! xo

    livingoncloudandreanine.blogspot.com

    Published 4.14.15
    Reply
    • Katie wrote:

      Thanks so much girl! xo

      Published 4.15.15
      Reply
  8. Emily wrote:

    Ok, I have wanted a bike for so long!! I think this year I am going to get one. I love THIS one!! How is it to ride? You look adorable as always <3.

    Published 4.14.15
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    • Katie wrote:

      It rides so well, Emily! I HIGHLY recommend it! And not only because it looks cute ;]

      Published 4.15.15
      Reply
  9. Maddy wrote:

    This post is too cute! I totally get you on being nervous to start out – when I was at home studying for the Bar and my prep class was at Stanford (think: 8 minute drive, less than 20 minute bike) I decided it would be sooo cool to bike there to save parking money and get some exercise. I did it a few times but not as often as I should have (I’m chalking it up to Bar stress) but when I did it was so fun and easier than you’d think!

    Now, biking in SF is something I won’t do. That’s terrifying. Haha.

    Published 4.14.15
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    • Katie wrote:

      Thanks Maddy! I know what you mean, too, about wanting to bike to save money and get some exercise! Sometimes creating new habits is hard! Haha, I have never been to SF, but I wouldn’t attempt it either – I saw the Princess Diaries, I know enough NOT to ;]

      Published 4.15.15
      Reply
  10. Jordan @ Pure City wrote:

    Thanks for the kind words – you look wonderful on that bike! 🙂

    Published 4.14.15
    Reply
    • Katie wrote:

      Thanks Jordan! Can’t wait to ride her around town more!

      Published 4.15.15
      Reply
  11. Tatum wrote:

    Can’t decide what’s cuter…the bike or your outfit 😉 Sounds like a great weekend!
    xo,
    Tatum
    thepaceblog.wordpress.com

    Published 4.14.15
    Reply
    • Katie wrote:

      Aw, you’re too sweet, Tatum!

      Published 4.15.15
      Reply
  12. Babi wrote:

    Your pedicure! Love it!

    Published 4.14.15
    Reply
  13. Mikkaela wrote:

    Ahh this is so cute – both the bike and you! I haven’t been on a bike in a really, really, really long time as well and I’m super scared to get one in college because some of the other bikers here are super crazy and I have just seen so many bike accidents!
    xx, Mikkaela
    The Southwestern Prepster

    Published 4.14.15
    Reply
    • Katie wrote:

      Thanks so much Mikkaela! Bikers at colleges are super intense! And on crowded streets like near my apartment! I prefer a nice leisurely ride, too!

      Published 4.15.15
      Reply
  14. Bree wrote:

    You look adorable and I love this bike! We are going to have to go on a bike ride date soon 🙂

    Published 4.14.15
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    • Katie wrote:

      YES! With our teal bikes!

      Published 4.15.15
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  15. annabelt - geeks diet wrote:

    That’s a nice looking bike!

    Published 4.14.15
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  16. Miranda @ Miranda Writes Blog wrote:

    This is making me want a cute cruise bike SO badly! How perfect that the bike has teal trim. It’s like it was made for you… =)

    Published 4.14.15
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    • Katie wrote:

      The perfect bike for me for sure! :] Hope you get a cruise bike soon.

      Published 4.15.15
      Reply
  17. Brittany wrote:

    My goodness! This is the cutest bike I have ever seen! If I had one like that I would ride it around all the time just to show it off! Maybe I know what my birthday list is going to look like this year… Thanks for the tip!

    Published 4.14.15
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    • Katie wrote:

      Thanks, Brittany! I love riding it around because it’s so unique. Hope you get one for your birthday!

      Published 4.15.15
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  18. Ashley, womenofworth.co wrote:

    I need to go biking more often! Love your blog!

    Published 4.14.15
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    • Katie wrote:

      Thank you, Ashley! xo

      Published 4.15.15
      Reply
  19. Shaira Manalo wrote:

    I agree with you. The past week had been really awesome! 🙂 I love your sandals and casual outfit here. <3

    Have a great day, Katie!

    xoxo,
    SHAIRA
    http://www.missdream-girl.blogspot.com

    Published 4.14.15
    Reply
    • Katie wrote:

      Thank you Shaira! I hope you had a great day :]

      Published 4.15.15
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  20. Valerie (Our Ruins) wrote:

    Oh wow, I love this bike…it is so stylish! It makes me want to go for a bike ride right now! 🙂

    Published 4.15.15
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    • Katie wrote:

      Thanks Valerie! xo

      Published 4.15.15
      Reply
  21. libys11 wrote:

    omg!! obsessed with your bike!!! aaahhh!! i can’t wait to take out my own bike. it’s still pretty chilly here in my city but this post totally inspired me to have my own “photoshoot” with my bike once it warms up here

    Animated Confessions

    Published 4.15.15
    Reply
    • Katie wrote:

      Thanks girl! Can’t wait to see your bike! xo

      Published 4.15.15
      Reply
  22. Chloe wrote:

    Totally loled at the spice girls bike part, I WANT THAT BIKE!

    Published 6.2.15
    Reply